I started wondered and did some fast Google research—not in-depth, scholarly literature review but something. I hope someone here will vouch for me if ever my search history is reviewed by some shocked person! Let me also say that I was shocked by what is out there, never having searched for this topic before now. My gosh.
This link is to an abstract from peer-reviewed scientific research. I can get to the entire article through an association I have with a library but can’t attach their pdf or paste the text here, of course. Since the abstract gives the bottom line and is to the article as written by a knowledgeable scientific researcher and then peer-reviewed, I feel good about it as a source.
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Abstract
“Dissolving bodies is a current method of disposing of human remains and has been practiced throughout the years. During the last decade in the Netherlands, two cases have emerged in which human remains were treated with acid. In the first case, the remains of a cremated body were treated with hydrofluoric acid. In the second case, two complete bodies were dissolved in a mixture of hydrochloric and sulfuric acid. In both cases, a great variety of evidence was collected at the scene of crime, part of which was embedded in resin, polished, and investigated using SEM/EDX. Apart from macroscopic findings like residual bone and artificial teeth, in both cases, distinct microscopic residues of bone were found as follows: (partly) digested bone, thin‐walled structures, and recrystallized calcium phosphate. Although some may believe it is possible to dissolve a body in acid completely, at least some of these microscopic residues will always be found.”
Journal of Forensic Sciences
Volume 60, Issue 3
Case Report
Microscopic Residues of Bone from Dissolving Human Remains in Acids†
Erwin Vermeij M.S.
Peter Zoon Ph.D.
Mayonne van Wijk M.S.
Reza Gerretsen M.D.
First published: 10 February 2015
https://doi.org/10.1111/1556-4029.12700
Presented at the 66th Annual Meeting of the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, February 17‐22, 2014, in Seattle, WA.
I found this other link if you want detailed info and more:
What Happens When a Dead Body Is Dissolved in Lye?